• Tourist Visa: For leisure travel, sightseeing, visiting friends/family, or attending cultural events.

• Business Visa: For business meetings, conferences, trade, or exploring business opportunities in India.

• Medical Visa: For medical treatment in recognized hospitals or medical institutions in India.

• Student Visa: For pursuing education in Indian educational institutions.

• Employment Visa: For skilled professionals and individuals employed by Indian companies.

• e-Tourist Visa (eTV): A convenient option for short-duration tourist visits (valid for certain countries).

• Online Application: Most visas can be applied for online through the Indian government’s official website (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/). The e-Visa option is available for specific countries.

• Application Form: Fill out the visa application form with accurate details.

• Required Documents: Typically, you’ll need a valid passport, recent passport-sized photos, a confirmed travel itinerary, and supporting documents based on the type of visa (such as invitation letters, hotel bookings, etc.).

• Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa fee online.

3. Visa Duration:

• The duration of an Indian visa depends on the type and purpose of the visit. Tourist visas are usually issued for 3 to 12 months.
• Some long-term visas, like employment or student visas, can be valid for several years with multiple entries. 

4. Visa Restrictions:

• Ensure your purpose of visit aligns with the visa category you apply for.
• Overstaying your visa duration is not allowed and can result in penalties or legal actions.
• Certain regions in India (like protected areas) require additional permits. Check if your intended travel includes such areas. 

5. Entry Requirements:

• A valid visa doesn’t guarantee entry; the final decision rests with immigration authorities upon arrival in India.
• Ensure you have a return ticket or proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, and necessary travel documents.

Tourist Visa for India: A Detailed Guide

A tourist visa for India is a type of visa issued to foreign nationals who wish to visit India for leisure, recreation, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. This visa allows travelers to explore the diverse culture, historical landmarks, natural beauty, and various attractions that India has to offer. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the tourist visa for India:

1. Eligibility:
   • Foreign nationals intending to visit India for tourism purposes are eligible for a tourist visa.
   • The applicant should not have a residence or occupation in India during the period of intended stay.
   • Tourist visas are generally non-extendable and non-convertible to other types of visas within India. 
2. Validity and Duration:
   • Tourist visas are typically issued for a specific period, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, based on the applicant’s request and the discretion of the Indian authorities.
   • The duration of stay is generally calculated from the date of entry into India. 
3. Application Process:
   • Tourists can apply for an Indian tourist visa through the online visa application system (e-Visa) or by submitting a paper application at the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.
   • The e-Visa system allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for a tourist visa online, and the process involves filling out the application form, uploading required documents (passport, photo, etc.), and making the necessary payment.
   • The traditional paper application process requires submitting the application form, passport, photos, supporting documents, and paying the visa fee at the designated Indian embassy or consulate. 
4. Required Documents:
   • A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity from the date of arrival in India.
   • Passport-sized photographs meeting specific requirements.
   • Confirmed flight itinerary.
   • Proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay in India.
   • A travel itinerary outlining the places to be visited in India.
   • A letter of invitation, if visiting friends or family.
   • Additional documents may be required based on the applicant’s nationality. 
5. Visa Fees:
   • The visa fee varies based on the applicant’s nationality, the duration of the visa, and the type of visa (single entry, multiple entries, etc.).
   • The visa fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected. 
6. e-Visa for India:
   • The Indian government introduced the e-Visa system, which allows eligible tourists to apply for a tourist visa online.
   • The e-Visa is available for nationals of specific countries and for certain categories (e-Tourist Visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa).
   • The e-Visa is generally processed more quickly than traditional paper applications. 
7. Extension and Conversion:
   • Tourist visas are typically non-extendable and non-convertible to other types of visas within India.
   • If a tourist wishes to extend their stay or change their visa type, they must leave India before the visa expires and reapply from their home country or another eligible country.

It’s essential to check the specific requirements, procedures, and updates from the official Indian government website or the nearest Indian embassy or consulate before applying for a tourist visa to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.